Unfortunate.

I think that this Coast Guard Capt. probably overestimated. It's darn tough to see someone on the surface of any large body of water. All you are really looking for is a head, bobbing up and down in waves. I've had a few times when finding a navigation mark, many times the size of a human head. Add in a decent sea or swell, and it gets tougher.

On the other hand, it would very difficult for anyone to have survived this long in that water.

My prayers and sympathies for their families.